How to calculate carpet area as per RERA?

I took days to learn how to calculate carpet area of flat as per RERA and also understand its meaning. The carpet area is the area one can cover with a carpet. It simply refers to the net usable area that can be used for laying carpet. This area also includes the thickness of the internal walls but does not count the balcony or terrace area. You might not find any RERA carpet area calculators, but I can share the formula I learned. The formula to derive carpet area is: RERA Carpet Area = Net Usable Area of the Apartment (excluding external walls, terrace, balcony, and verandah) + Internal Partition Wall Areas.

Example of Carpet Area Calculation:

If you are planning to buy a flat, make sure you do the carpet calculation properly. As per RERA carpet area = area of bedroom + living room + balconies + toilets - the thickness of the inner walls. In most cases, the carpet area is 70% of the built up area. So if you are planning to buy a property of 1,500 sq ft (built-up area), its carpet area will be approximately 1,050 sq ft. It can be 75% of the built up area also so clarify this doubt with the builder before investing in the property.

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A few years ago, there was much confusion around the area of the property calculated by the developers and builders. Earlier, it was a practice to disclose the super built up or built up area to the homebuyers to attract them. However, ever since RERA has stepped into the picture, the calculation of carpet area has changed. In this answer I will explain the exact way on how to calculate carpet area as per RERA. You will also find my insights on what is the impact of this in the real estate industry and homebuyers.

As the name clearly suggests, carpet area is the area in a property where you can spread the carpet. It is also referred to as the net usable area of the property. RERA has defined carpet area as the net usable area on the floor which should exclude the area covered by external walls, areas under service shafts, elevators, exclusive balcony or veranda. 

Talking about the impact of RERA carpet area, it is mandatory for builders to disclose the carpet area as defined by RERA to the potential homebuyers. This enables better decision making for the buyers and they can make comparisons efficiently between two or more properties. Earlier, builders pitched the price for the property based on super built up area, whereas, they are bound to pitch the project according to RERA guidelines of carpet area disclosure.

It will be easier for the homebuyers to understand carpet area as it is easily readable on CAD software on which design of the property is made.

So now, when you are out on a property hunt, you will have an idea on how to calculate the carpet areas as per RERA.